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Avast SecureLine VPN for Windows and Mac - FAQs

This article answers the most common questions about Avast SecureLine VPN on Windows and Mac. For information about Avast SecureLine VPN on mobile devices, refer to the following article:

General

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) functions as a private tunnel through the internet which encrypts your data and secures your connection when using public Wi-Fi connections such as those in cafes or airports.

What is SecureLine VPN?

Avast SecureLine VPN is an application which enables you to connect to the internet via secure Avast VPN servers using an encrypted tunnel. SecureLine VPN can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy and is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured wireless network.

SecureLine VPN has servers in several locations which means you can bypass geolocation restrictions as well as access your favorite content while traveling.

Does SecureLine VPN log user information?

SecureLine VPN stores connection logs, which includes information such as the time you connect and disconnect, the duration of the connection, and bandwidth usage. This information is used for diagnostic purposes and to help prevent abuse of the VPN connection.

We do not log activity such as the websites you visit, what data is transferred, and which IP addresses are accessed. For more information, refer to the Avast Privacy Policy:

Why is my internet connection slower when I connect to SecureLine VPN?

You may experience a slower internet connection when using SecureLine VPN. A VPN encrypts traffic and data before sending it to a server. Depending on the distance and capacity of the server, this process may cause a slightly slower, but safer, internet connection.

Setup & Licensing

How do I install SecureLine VPN?

If you use Avast Antivirus, the SecureLine VPN component is installed by default and only requires activation with a paid license. For activation details, refer to the following article:

If you use Avast Security on a compatible Mac system, SecureLine VPN is installed by default. Activate the product by inserting your activation code. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

How do I uninstall SecureLine VPN?

If you are using SecureLine VPN in Avast Antivirus, go to ☰Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Components and scroll down to SecureLine VPN. Click the SecureLine VPN panel to expand it, then click Uninstall Component. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

Can I use SecureLine VPN without installing Avast Antivirus?

Yes. SecureLine VPN can be installed as a standalone application, without Avast Antivirus (Windows) or Avast Security (Mac) installed. If you are using Avast Antivirus on Windows, we recommend using SecureLine VPN as a component of Avast.

Is SecureLine VPN licensed separately from Avast Antivirus?

Yes - SecureLine VPN is an extra service and requires a separate license to use. An Avast Antivirus license does not activate SecureLine VPN.

What should I do if my activation is unsuccessful?

SecureLine VPN requires a separate, paid license to use it. If you are using Avast Antivirus, ensure that you have purchased and activated a license for SecureLine VPN. If the activation is unsuccessful, you can submit a ticket to the Avast Support Team for assistance.

Settings

Can I set up SecureLine VPN to connect automatically when I start up my system?

No, not if you are using SecureLine VPN in Avast Antivirus. SecureLine VPN for Windows cannot be programmed to connect automatically when you start your system. However, you can adjust the program to auto-connect when you connect to unsecured wireless networks.

If you are using the standalone version of Secureline VPN, you can set it to connect automatically when the application starts. To do this, open the application and click ☰Menu ▸ Settings. Then click the tick box next to Automatically turn on VPN when the app starts.

Yes, to enable this option, click Avast SecureLine VPN in the Menu bar and select Preferences..., then tick the box next to Start SecureLine when my computer starts. Under Turn on the VPN, tick the box next to Automatically when the app starts and when switching networks.

Can I set up SecureLine VPN to connect automatically when I use an unsecured WiFi network?

Yes. If you are using SecureLine VPN in Avast Antivirus, go to Privacy ▸ SecureLine VPN and click the gear icon to access settings. Ensure the slider next to Turn on SecureLine when connected to unsecured Wi-Fi networks is turned on (green), then select Turn on automatically.

If you are using the standalone version of SecureLine VPN, open the application and click ☰Menu ▸ Settings. Select Network Security from the side panel and ensure the box next to Turn on SecureLine when connected to unsecured Wi-Fi networks is ticked. Then select Turn on automatically.

Open SecureLine VPN, then go to the Apple desktop menu bar and select Avast SecureLine VPN. Select Preferences... from the dropdown menu. In the section Turn on the VPN, select Automatically when the app starts and when switching networks.

How do I connect to a different VPN server location?

Ensure that you are disconnected from SecureLine, then click Change location to select a server location.

When using the standalone version of SecureLine VPN:

Double-click the Avast SecureLine VPN icon on your desktop to open the application.

Ensure that you are disconnected from SecureLine VPN, then click Change location to select a server location.

Click the Avast SecureLine VPN icon in your menu bar to open the application.

Ensure that you are disconnected from SecureLine, then click Change location to select a server location.

Troubleshooting

How can I prevent the WebRTC leak on my browser?

WebRTC is a feature that various browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox apply because it supports B2B applications such as voice calling, video chat, and P2P file sharing without the need for plugins. In Windows, macOS, and Android systems, this feature potentially enables IP addresses to be visible even when you are connected to a VPN such as Avast SecureLine VPN.

We are actively looking for a solution to this issue. In the meantime, protect your privacy by blocking or disabling WebRTC. You can also avoid this vulnerability by using a browser which does not apply WebRTC (such as Safari or Internet Explorer).

How do I send a message to Avast Support?

Where can I find SecureLine VPN log files?

For troubleshooting purposes, Avast Support representatives may ask you to provide them with SecureLine VPN log files. To find log files, go to C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avast\log and look for the vpn_engine.log file. If you are still using an older version of Avast Antivirus, the file could be named SecureLine.log.

If you cannot locate the ProgramData folder in your system, follow the instructions on the Windows support page:

Miscellaneous

When is the regularly scheduled maintenance?

Regular maintenance occurs every Saturday at 6PM EST (GMT/UTC -5), or 6PM EDT (GMT/UTC -4) during daylight saving time, and lasts for one hour. Your service is not typically affected by this maintenance.

If you use a different location when you connect to the internet via SecureLine VPN, Gmail and Live Mail may detect this change. You may receive an email reporting suspicious activity, and will be asked to change your password if you think someone in a different location has accessed your email. Verify the VPN location you selected to ensure your security.

Why do certain websites claim that I'm connected to a different city than the city I selected as my VPN location?

Websites often attempt to identify the location of their visitors from their IP address, a process called IP geolocation. IP geolocation uses a database that pairs together IP address ranges and geographical information. The information in this database can be inaccurate for several reasons:

Avast does its best to provide accurate information to the IP geolocation databases, but the database providers may take extra time to update the location.

The website may be using an outdated version of the geolocation database.

Some major websites (Google, for example) maintain their own databases based on what user traffic came from the IP address in the past.

In certain locations, we rent dedicated servers to provide SecureLine VPN, and the IP geolocation databases are updated by the server provider on Avast's behalf. Because Avast is a Czech company, these providers may indicate the location as Czech Republic. When this occurs, we work with the providers to update the information with the correct locations of our servers.

Why is SecureLine VPN a paid product when other VPN services are free?

To support the continued development of SecureLine VPN and give you access to the best VPN technology, SecureLine VPN is a paid product.

Many free VPN services sell your data to 3rd parties, place ads and videos into your browser, and slow down your internet connection.

SecureLine VPN never compromises user experience or privacy. We do not share or sell your data to 3rd parties, nor do we monitor your internet activity. SecureLine VPN does not interfere with your internet connection and is completely ad-free.